Hadith #925

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَنْ يَنْجََعَ الأدَبُ حَتّى يُقارِنَهُ العَقْلُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of combining good etiquette with intellect in order for it to be truly effective. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (adab) "أدَبُ" refers to good etiquette, manners, and behavior. It encompasses all aspects of conduct, including how we interact with others, how we speak, and how we carry ourselves. Adab is not limited to mere external actions, but it also encompasses the internal state of the heart and the intention behind our actions.

The word (yuqārina) "يُقارِنَهُ" is derived from the root word (qarana) "قَرَنَ", which means to accompany or be accompanied by. In this context, it means that good etiquette must be accompanied by intellect or reason in order for it to have a meaningful impact. It implies that adab without intellect is incomplete and may not yield the desired results.

The word (al-'aql) "العَقْلُ" refers to intellect, reason, and understanding. It is the faculty of the mind that enables us to think, comprehend, and make sound judgments. Intellect is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is meant to guide us in our actions and decision-making.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good manners and intellect in several verses.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of knowing and understanding one another, which requires good manners and intellect. By treating others with respect and kindness, we can foster unity and harmony within society.

In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah says,

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

This verse is a testament to the impeccable character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who exemplified the perfect combination of good manners and intellect. His noble character served as a guiding light for all Muslims, teaching us the importance of adab and its impact on our relationships with others.

The consequences of practicing good etiquette accompanied by intellect are profound. When we combine adab with intellect, we are able to navigate through various situations with wisdom and tact. Our interactions become more meaningful and impactful, as we are able to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully. Good manners and intellect also contribute to personal growth and self-improvement, as they shape our character and enhance our relationships with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation.

For example, when faced with a disagreement or difference of opinion, a person who possesses good etiquette and intellect will approach the situation with humility and respect. They will listen attentively, consider different perspectives, and respond thoughtfully. This approach fosters understanding and promotes healthy dialogue, leading to resolutions that benefit all parties involved.

On the other hand, if a person lacks intellect and relies solely on good manners, they may struggle to navigate complex situations. They may unintentionally offend others or fail to address important issues due to a lack of understanding. This highlights the importance of combining adab with intellect, as it enables us to make informed decisions and act in a manner that aligns with our values and principles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the inseparable relationship between good etiquette and intellect. It teaches us that adab alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by intellect in order to have a meaningful impact. By combining these two qualities, we can navigate through life with wisdom, compassion, and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody good manners and intellect in all aspects of our lives.